Minutes:
Report of the Deputy Leader
The Deputy Leader drew Members attention to the Council’s performance for the second quarter of 2019/2020 which was reviewed by the Scrutiny Committee recently.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
The Cabinet Member drew Members attention to the Parking Strategy Review which will report to the Housing, Planning & Economic Development Scrutiny Committee and thanked Officers and Members of the Working Group for their continued work on this.
He also highlighted the Open4Business event which is being held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly on Thursday 26th March between 3pm and 7pm. He encouraged Members to attend to show commitment to supporting local businesses. He confirmed that the event was open to the public as well and commended Officers for engaging with Metrobus in order to provide free transport from key transport nodes to the event.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
The Cabinet Member updated the Council on training for Members. She highlighted that the Government had confirmed an increased business rate relief discount from 33% to 50% for 2020/21. Eligibility will extend to independent pubs, cinemas and grass root music venues.
In response to a Member’s question, she noted that a reduction in performance in Revenues and Benefits was due to a focus on more complex issues. This is in advance of the new council tax support system being put in place and the new system should address the speed of processing.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery
The Cabinet Member provided further information on the food waste pilot, clarifying that it is estimated that 41% of waste in the district is food, and this is based on weight not volume. If the Council collects food waste separately, there could be an improvement of 15% on the current recycling rate. He reiterated that effective communication with residents will be vital.
He provided an update on the Parks Investment Programme.
He confirmed that to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty the Council is working with Agility Eco and other local councils to form a Local Energy Advice Partnership. Subject to eligibility it can offer a free home energy visit, a free energy switching service, installation of free energy saving measures, a free telephone advice service and referrals to other further energy efficiency improvements.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Community
The Cabinet Member thanked Members who attended the Service of Remembrance for victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. He noted that people of all ages took part in the service.
He provided an update on work that is going on to support the most vulnerable groups in the District. He noted the work of Sussex Police to improve relationships with the LGBTQ plus community, and to encourage reporting of hate crimes directed at those and other protected communities. He encouraged Members to use the email address ‘antisocialbehaviour@midsussex.gov.uk’ to report any issues.
The Cabinet Member also highlighted the Equality and Diversity Progress Report for 2019 which is due to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee in February which will include a new and updated draft policy.
He concluded by encouraging Members to book a place on a forthcoming training course on 11 February relating to recognising and responding to hate and extremism.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning
The Cabinet Member confirmed that the cumulative number of Affordable Homes delivered at the end of December has risen to 191 and the Council continues to investigate opportunities for new forms of housing delivery including Self and Community Build Housing, Community Land Trusts and ways to maximise affordable housing delivery on Council owned sites.
He confirmed that on all sites which require 30% affordable housing, this is being achieved, with the exception of one where a commuted sum was taken instead, as the site was deemed to be too remote to be practical.
In response to a Member’s question about progress with the planning application at Manor Court in Burgess Hill, the Cabinet Member agreed to write to Members with an update.